Utopia Texas History:
Archeological evidence indicates Paleo Indians once lived in the canyon. In 1790 Juan de Ugalde united Comanches, Taovayas, and Tawakonis and led a decisive victory over the Apaches at the site of future Utopia. The Spaniards also found silver and dug a shaft on the east side of Sugarloaf Mountain, five miles south of Utopia. On June 10, 1839, a party under John C. (Jack) Hays and Juan N. Seguín pursued a band of Comanches into Sabinal Canyon, where they destroyed newly deserted villages. In 1852 Captain William Ware, a soldier of the Texas Revolution, moved to the canyon with his son and six slaves. With 600 head of cattle and two ox-drawn wagons full of seeds, fruit trees, food, and tools, they had to move large boulders to get the wagons through the pass into the canyon. By 1856 other settlers had arrived, and Charles Durbon built a store. Early settlers had contact with friendly Tonkawa Indians. Kickapoo Indians raided, and Lipan Apaches captured Frank Buckelew in 1866 and held him captive for eleven months. This Indian warfare lasted until 1876. In 1873 the town of Waresville was established. In 1884 the town of Montana was founded and the Waresville post office was moved to Montana. When residents learned another Texas town was named Montana, they renamed their town Utopia. By 1880 a stage stopped weekly at the community, where 150 citizens supported two gristmills, a cotton gin, a blacksmith shop, a store, and three churches. By 1904 the population of Utopia was 147. The town had telephone service by 1914. Annual rodeos have brought thousands of people since 1929. In 1956 the Sabinal River was dammed to impound a small municipal lake. Many residents moved away in the drought-plagued 1950s. The population reached a low of sixty in the early 1960s, but by 1965 prosperity had returned. Utopia is home of the Utopia Water Company, and the area is famous for the white Guajillo honey. Utopia is located on the Sabinal River at the intersection of FM 187 and RR 1050, 12 miles south of the Lost Maples State Natural Area and Vanderpool, 24 miles east of Concan and Garner State Park, 24 miles southeast of Leakey, 23 miles north of Sabinal, 11 miles south of Vanderpool, and 80 miles northwest of San Antonio, Texas.

Sabinal Canyon Museum:
The museum features exhibits depicting the history of Sabinal Canyon including pioneer ranching and farming exhibits, geology and history exhibits, Indian artifacts, and World War II artifacts. The museum celebrates Texas Independence Day in early March with history stories, chuck wagon cooking and more. (830) 966-2100. The museum is located on FM 187 in Utopia, on the west side of the road. Open Saturday, 10am-4pm; Sunday, 1pm-4pm.

Cancelled for 2018Annual Nature Quest Festival in Utopia TX, End of April:
Activities include wildlife and plant workshops led by experts, information on creating a backyard wildlife habitat, field trips, kayaking, a bat tour and other programs. This event is sponsored by the Hill Country Nature Center. (830) 966-2320. The Center is located on FM 1050, 10 miles west of Utopia, and 5 miles east of Garner State park. Email

Annual Utopia Park & Arena Events, Utopia Texas:
Utopia Park and community square were donated to the Utopia Park Board Association in the 1920s. The organization operates as a non-profit and manages the park. The park is funded by donations and camping fees. Amenities include an arena, tent campsites, RV campsites, shaded and screened shelters, BBQ pits, water and electric hookups, and restrooms with showers. The park hosts several annual events. The Ranch Rodeo is held Memorial Day Sunday, and features the Ranch Rodeo, live music, a dance, and concessions. The Utopia Open Rodeo is held the 4th weekend in June. The 4th of July Celebration features concessions, and fireworks followed by a dance. 241 Utopia Park Road, Utopia, Texas. Vanderpool is located 10.6 miles northwest of Utopia, Texas. Current ContactsFacebook

Nov 1-4, 2018Annual UtopiaFest Music and Art Festival in Utopia Texas, Fall:
Tickets are limited to 1,500 so purchase tickets early. This two day camp out festival takes place in a natural amphitheater on the 1,000 acre Four Sisters Ranch located between Garner State Park (Concan) and Lost Maples at Vanderpool. World touring bands provide a variety of music genres including rock, bluegrass, Americana, Indie, folk, Latin, and Japanese punk. Other activities include morning yoga, disc golf, art and jewelry vendors, hot air balloon rides and more. (512) 291-6991. Four Sisters Ranch is located at 1555 Lemond Road, Utopia, Texas. Email

Imagine Lavender Farm, Vanderpool:
The farm offers three varieties of “pick your own lavender” during the season (April-June) and sells lavender products. They also sell their lavender products online, at the Pearl Farmers’ Market in San Antonio, at The Vintage 205 in Johnson City, at the Bean and Biscuit in Blanco, and at the Pearl Brewery’s Saturday Farmer’s Market in San Antonio at 200 East Grayson Street, San Antonio, TX 78215. (830) 966-5105. The farm is located at 17582 FM 337 East, Vanderpool, Texas 78885. Email

The Laurel Tree, Utopia, Texas:
This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner on Saturdays. The gourmet menu changes weekly; only the freshest ingredients are used. Lunch is priced at $18. The 5 course dinner costs $35; choose between two main courses. Amenities include fresh flowers, candlelight, and garden or fireside seating. Bring your own wine. Call for reservations. (830) 966-5444. 18956 North FM 187. The restaurant is located 2.5 miles south of Utopia, and 18 miles north of Sabinal, Texas. Reviews

The Lunch Box, Utopia:
They serve very good tacos, hamburgers, sandwiches and other menu items, and have a salad bar. (830) 966-4030. 406 North Main Street, Utopia. Reviews

Mac & Ernie’s Roadside Eatery, Tarpley, TX: 18-1
This popular place serves very good food including Cabrito burgers and chicken fried lamb chops. (830) 562-3727. ‎ 11804 FM 470, Tarpley, TX 78883. Tarpley is 26 miles northwest of Hondo, 33 miles north of D’Hanis, 19 miles east of Utopia, and 14 miles southwest of Bandera, Texas. Tarpley Area MapReviews